Beloved Hollywood legend Diane Keaton was last photographed beaming alongside her dog, just before her passing at 79.

The acclaimed actress, known for her role in The Godfather, appeared vibrant and joyful in an Instagram post dated April 11, where she posed with her canine companion, Reggie, to promote a Hudson Grace dog statue and biscuits.

Sitting comfortably on her home’s floor, Keaton was captured gently petting her dog, who seemed equally delighted, likely anticipating a taste of the treats in the spotlight.

A family representative confirmed to People that the Oscar-winning actress passed away in California, though further details remain private.

Her family has asked for privacy as they grieve this significant loss.

Bette Midler led the tributes for the actress. The pair starred in the 1996 comedy-drama The First Wives Club.

‘I cannot tell you how unbearably sad this makes me. She was hilarious, and completely without guile, or any of the competitiveness one would have expected from such a star. What you saw was who she was…oh, la, lala!’

Piers Morgan also paid his respects on X, writing: ‘RIP Diane Keaton, 79. Oscar-winning star of Annie Hall, brilliant in the Godfather and Father of the Bride movies. One of Hollywood’s greatest actresses, and a delightful lady. Sad news.’ 

Diane Keaton is seen above in her last photo shared to Instagram on April 11

Actress Elizabeth Banks wrote on Instagram: ‘She was beloved in her industry. Every one of us idolizes her.

‘Her influence on culture, fashion, art and women can’t be overstated. She was a delight. I am proud I have a career that allowed me to meet her and breathe her air.’

Keaton’s Hollywood career spanned five decades from her early breakthrough in The Godfather trilogy to her Oscar-winning turn in Annie Hall.

She became a defining face of 1970s cinema and later cemented her legacy with hits like Baby Boom, Father of the Bride, The First Wives Club, and Something’s Gotta Give.

In recent years, she delighted audiences again with the Book Club films, proving her enduring appeal across generations.

She was born Diane Hall on January 5, 1946, in Los Angeles. 

Keaton studied acting at Santa Ana College before heading to New York City to train at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse.

She made her Broadway debut in 1968 as part of the original cast of Hair, quickly earning attention for her wit and presence.

Her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino

Throughout the 1980s and ’90s, Keaton built an unmatched résumé with standout roles in films like Reds, Baby Boom, and Father of the Bride (pictured)

She would later go on to star in Lovers and Other Strangers, but her breakout came in 1972 with The Godfather, where she portrayed Kay Adams-Corleone opposite Al Pacino.

The role made her a household name and she made quite the name for herself as she continued to act. 

Keaton also made her mark on television, notably starring alongside Jude Law in the acclaimed 2016 miniseries The Young Pope.

A year later, her decades-long contribution to film was recognized when she received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Film Institute’s gala.

In August 2022, the Hollywood icon was further celebrated with a Hand and Footprint Ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre.

Away from the screen, Keaton led a fiercely independent life.

She adopted two children – daughter Dexter and son Duke – in her 50s and remained proudly unmarried, despite past relationships with major Hollywood names including Woody Allen, Warren Beatty, Al Pacino, and Jack Nicholson.

‘I think I’m the only one in my generation and maybe before who has been a single woman all her life,’ she once said.

‘I don’t think it would have been a good idea for me to have married, and I’m really glad I didn’t.’